We earn commissions from purchases

How Do Solar Pool Covers Work? A Comprehensive Guide

Purchasing a solar swimming pool cover is a great way to save money for you as a pool owner. They work by capturing solar heat and releasing it back into the water at night or when there isn’t enough sunlight. This helps keep your swimming pool warm and saves you money!

But wait! How do solar pool covers work exactly? Let’s see!

What Is a Solar Pool Cover?

A solar pool cover is a plastic cover that you put on your swimming pool. The sun’s heat is trapped in the solar blanket, which keeps the water below the blanket warm.

do solar pool covers prevent evaporation

Solar pool covers are designed with materials that will not react or interact with chlorine (or other chemicals) in any way–in fact, many people use them year-round. You can find out about solar pool cover types and some of their benefits below!

Different Types of Solar Pool Covers

Solar pool covers are different. You need to know what they are before you buy them.

Solar Blankets

These are sometimes called “bubble solar covers,” as they resemble bubble wrap. Solar blankets are not to be confused with large plastic furniture covers. Solar covers are always placed with the bubble side down

A solar blanket is covered in tiny bubbles. The bubbles capture the sun’s UV rays to keep the water warm and prevent heat loss. They also retain more water than a regular cover, reducing evaporation.

Use your solar blanket in the summer to get the most out of it.

  • Pros: Can act as a shield and can prevent dirt.
  • Cons: Often more expensive and could be a little cumbersome to use.

Solar Rings

Solar rings are a new way to boost a pool’s water temperature. They soak up the sun and transmit it into the ground pool. The rings cost more and cover a smaller area of your pool surface.

best solar rings for pool

You can use as many as you want without compromising your pool’s material.

They are simple to install but leave some water uncovered.

  • Pros: Inexpensive, energy-efficient, and simple to install.
  • Cons: Not as effective and covers a smaller surface area, therefore blocking less debris and not as efficient.

Liquid Solar Covers

Liquid solar covers are liquid and come in a dispenser. They help to retain the sun’s heat. A liquid solar cover works best in water that is still, but you can safely swim or play in it.

You do not need to worry about harming your filters or getting hurt by the liquid solar cover, so long as you’re choosing the best one.

  • Pros: Less expensive, simple to set up, and biodegradable.
  • Con: Doesn’t protect the pool from debris.

Conclusion

Solar pool covers are an effective way to reduce evaporation and help you save on energy costs. With so many different types of solar pool covers, it’s important to know what they do before buying them for your home or business.

Whether you need a liquid solar cover, a bubble-wrap style blanket, or something in between, there is always something out there that will suit your needs.